Academic Comparison between Penn State Altoona and Penn State Harrisburg

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Pennsylvania

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Penn State Harrisburg has more expensive tuition & fees ($26,668) than Penn State Altoona ($26,668).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State Harrisburg than Penn State Altoona.
  • Penn State Harrisburg has a higher submitted SAT score (1,160) than Penn State Altoona (1,160).
  • Penn State Harrisburg has higher submitted ACT score (24) than Penn State Altoona (24).
  • Penn State Harrisburg has more students with 4,572 students while Penn State Altoona has 2,577 students.
  • Penn State Altoona has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Penn State Harrisburg's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • Penn State Harrisburg has more full-time faculties with 240 faculties while Penn State Altoona has 202 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Penn State Altoona Penn State Harrisburg
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoonavs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg
Altoona, PennsylvaniaLocationMiddletown, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Bachelor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Carnegie Classification
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
71%% Receiving Financial Aid70%
$10,140Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,114
97.31 %Acceptance Rates96.39 %
12.37 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.19 %
1,160SAT Score1,210
24ACT Score28
16 %Graduation Rate24 %
47 %Transfer-out Rate45 %
77 %Retention Rate80 %
2,577Student Population4,572
202Number of Faculties240
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services